rstmaryNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Bente Birkeland has covered Colorado politics and government since spring of 2006. She loves the variety and challenge of the state capitol beat and talking to people from all walks of life. Bente's work has aired on NPR's Morning Edition and All Things Considered , American Public Media's Marketplace , and she was a contributor for WNYC's The Next Big Thing . She has won numerous local and national awards, including best beat reporting from the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors. Bente grew up in Minnesota and England, and loves skiing, hiking, and is an aspiring cello player. She lives in Lakewood with her husband.NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Bente BirkelandMon, 19 Mar 2018 19:12:57 +0000Bente Birkelandhttp://aspenpublicradio.org
Bente BirkelandColorado’s public pension system needs more money to remain viable. The Public Employees Retirement Association, or PERA, is the retirement benefit for teachers and other public employees. Right now, it’s only 58 percent funded. Senate Bill 200 is starting its journey through the legislature and it will need bipartisan support if it is going to pass. Statehouse reporter Bente Birkeland spoke with Brian Eason of the Denver Post and Ed Sealover with the Denver Business Journal about the bill, and what’s at stake.Capitol Conversation: Saving PERAhttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/capitol-conversation-saving-pera
80268 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgFri, 16 Mar 2018 19:58:36 +0000Capitol Conversation: Saving PERABente BirkelandAs word came this week that yet another round of layoffs were planned for The Denver Post's newsroom, lawmakers at the Capitol worried about what the future would look like with less news. Among those concerned about the fate of news is Rep. Larry Liston, who for years has clipped articles from newspapers to keep track of what's going on.Colorado Lawmakers Lament Denver Post Layoffshttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/colorado-lawmakers-lament-denver-post-layoffs
80256 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgFri, 16 Mar 2018 19:18:36 +0000Colorado Lawmakers Lament Denver Post LayoffsBente BirkelandMore than 100 Senate staff, aides and interns have been warned against speaking to journalists about workplace issues, including sexual harassment, and the trainings aimed at preventing it. At issue are two emails obtained from Senate sources that say it is a violation of the chamber's policies for workers to grant interviews to reporters. A third email, sent directly to us by the top Senate administrator, asked us to tell members of other news organizations not to approach aides and interns for interviews, but rather to speak with communications secretaries. We didn't act on that request because it's not our role to direct the reporting of other news organizations.Emails Warn Workers At Colorado Capitol Not To Speak To Presshttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/emails-warn-workers-colorado-capitol-not-speak-press
80101 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgTue, 13 Mar 2018 21:14:21 +0000Emails Warn Workers At Colorado Capitol Not To Speak To PressBente BirkelandSenate Republicans have passed a bill that would allow Coloradans who already have a handgun to conceal carry without a permit. It passed along party lines and will soon be debated in the Democratic-controlled House where it’s future is more uncertain.Capitol Conversation: Concealed Carry Without A Permithttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/capitol-conversation-concealed-carry-without-permit
80024 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgMon, 12 Mar 2018 19:00:05 +0000Capitol Conversation: Concealed Carry Without A PermitBente BirkelandColorado lawmakers from both sides of the aisle recently voted out one of their own. The decision to expel Representative Steve Lebsock, (D) came after an independent report found the allegations of sexual harassment brought forth by five women to be credible. Bente Birkeland discussed the outcome of the vote with Brian Eason of the Denver Post and Marianne Goodland with Colorado Politics, specifically about what swayed some lawmakers, and how that could impact what’s happening in the Senate where three lawmakers have also been investigated for sexual harassment.Capitol Conversation: Lebsock's Expulsionhttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/capitol-conversation-lebsocks-expulsion
79896 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgFri, 09 Mar 2018 02:54:23 +0000Capitol Conversation: Lebsock's ExpulsionBente BirkelandDemocrats are harshly criticizing state Senate President Kevin Grantham, saying he’s preventing lawmakers accused of sexual harassment from being held accountable. Grantham has countered by saying that sexual harassment is a “cancer” that must be rooted out and that any lawmaker convicted of a crime should be expelled. But that answer hasn't satisfied Democrats. Dems Say Colorado Senate President Missing The Point Of #MeToohttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/dems-say-colorado-senate-president-missing-point-metoo
79895 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgFri, 09 Mar 2018 02:53:23 +0000 Dems Say Colorado Senate President Missing The Point Of #MeTooBente BirkelandIn a nonbinding straw poll, Democrats gave Cary Kennedy a decisive victory in caucuses for Colorado governor. She took 50 percent of the vote. Congressman Jared Polis came in second with 33 percent and former state senator Mike Johnston finished a distant third with 8 percent.Democratic Caucuses Pick Early Frontrunners In Colorado Governor’s Race http://aspenpublicradio.org/post/democratic-caucuses-pick-early-frontrunners-colorado-governor-s-race
79807 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgWed, 07 Mar 2018 19:04:58 +0000Democratic Caucuses Pick Early Frontrunners In Colorado Governor’s Race Bente BirkelandThe leader of Colorado’s Senate said that last week’s historic decision in the House to expel a legislator amid sexual harassment allegations would have no bearing on how similar cases in the Senate are resolved. Senate President Kevin Grantham said the House made a tough decision to remove a fellow legislator from the Capitol. Colorado Senate President Wouldn’t Expel Legislators Of Sexual Harassment Without Convictionshttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/colorado-senate-president-wouldn-t-expel-legislators-sexual-harassment-without-convictions
79758 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgTue, 06 Mar 2018 17:56:49 +0000 Colorado Senate President Wouldn’t Expel Legislators Of Sexual Harassment Without ConvictionsBente BirkelandTensions were high at Colorado's Capitol Thursday as Democrats and Republicans discussed whether to expel Rep. SteveLebsock, who has staunchly denied allegations of sexual harassment.Rep. Lebsock Predicts 'My Colleagues Are Not Going To Expel Me'http://aspenpublicradio.org/post/rep-lebsock-predicts-my-colleagues-are-not-going-expel-me
79614 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgFri, 02 Mar 2018 15:49:47 +0000Rep. Lebsock Predicts 'My Colleagues Are Not Going To Expel Me'Bente BirkelandThe independent Employers Council, which has been tasked with investigatingseveral statelawmakers accused of sexual harassment, is defending its work. Thelawmakers -- accused of misconduct by colleagues, Capitol workers, interns and aides --have criticized the council’s efforts to get to the bottom of allegations. Some have even raised the question of bias. Amid this, and efforts to oust a lawmaker over allegations,two investigations in theSenate are now being handled by a new firm that declined to comment on its methods.A New Firm Investigating Sexual Harassment Claims At Colorado Capitolhttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/new-firm-investigating-sexual-harassment-claims-colorado-capitol
79562 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgThu, 01 Mar 2018 16:07:04 +0000A New Firm Investigating Sexual Harassment Claims At Colorado CapitolBente Birkeland(Updated at 4:47 p.m.) Saying a report has confirmed multiple allegations of sexual harassment, Democrats in Colorado’s House of Representatives have moved to expel one of their own -- Rep. SteveLebsock. It is an unprecedented move as Senate Republicans who have faced confirmed reports of sexual harassment at the Capitol continue to serve.Colorado House Could Expel Rep. Lebsock For Credible Sexual Harassment Allegationshttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/colorado-house-could-expel-rep-lebsock-credible-sexual-harassment-allegations
79459 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgTue, 27 Feb 2018 19:02:59 +0000Colorado House Could Expel Rep. Lebsock For Credible Sexual Harassment AllegationsBente BirkelandColorado’s Capitol, like 28 other statehouses across the country, has security checkpoints at public entrances. There are metal detectors that visitors and lobbyists must pass through under the watchful eyes of State Patrol officers, who are there to protect everyone in the building and keep illegal guns and other weapons out. But for some, the security is too much.At Colorado’s Capitol, Some Lawmakers Bring Their Guns To Workhttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/colorado-s-capitol-some-lawmakers-bring-their-guns-work
79432 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgTue, 27 Feb 2018 02:29:52 +0000At Colorado’s Capitol, Some Lawmakers Bring Their Guns To WorkBente BirkelandLawmakers inside the capitol are grappling with how to put more money into transportation, a priority for both parties. Now, the issue will be debated statewide because of a group of statewide ballot proposals. Statehouse reporter Bente Birkeland talked to Brian Eason with the Denver Post and Marianne Goodland with Colorado Politics about the chances of passage – and what it means for the current legislative session.Capitol Conversation: Transportation Proposals Shift Funding Debate To Votershttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/capitol-conversation-transportation-proposals-shift-funding-debate-voters
79405 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgMon, 26 Feb 2018 13:56:21 +0000Capitol Conversation: Transportation Proposals Shift Funding Debate To VotersBente BirkelandA complaint alleging that Sen. Jack Tate harassed a woman at the state Capitol has been found credible.The woman, a former intern, alleged that Tate flirted with her and touched her in an elevator in an unwelcome manner during the 2017 legislative session. The former intern was 18 years old at the time,and has asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution.Sexual Harassment Complaint Against A Third Colorado Lawmaker Found Crediblehttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/sexual-harassment-complaint-against-third-colorado-lawmaker-found-credible
79312 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgFri, 23 Feb 2018 17:45:10 +0000Sexual Harassment Complaint Against A Third Colorado Lawmaker Found CredibleBente BirkelandSen. Randy Baumgardner, who is facing calls to resign in the wake of sexual harassment allegations, has been named in a new complaint at the state Capitol. The accuser, a man who worked as a non-partisan Senate staffer in 2016, alleges that Baumgardner created an offensive and hostile work environment.Male Staffer Files Complaint That Sen. Baumgardner Created Offensive Workplacehttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/male-staffer-files-complaint-sen-baumgardner-created-offensive-workplace
79311 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgFri, 23 Feb 2018 17:36:17 +0000Male Staffer Files Complaint That Sen. Baumgardner Created Offensive WorkplaceBente BirkelandColorado lawmakers are working on several high priority issues including human trafficking, updating a driver’s license program for undocumented immigrants and responding to the mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Statehouse reporter Bente Birkeland spoke with Jesse Aaron Paul of the Denver Post and Marianne Goodland with ColoradoPolitics about the issues they are covering under the gold dome.Capitol Conversation: Human Trafficking, Gun Policy, Immigrant Driver’s Licenses http://aspenpublicradio.org/post/capitol-conversation-human-trafficking-gun-policy-immigrant-driver-s-licenses
79064 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgMon, 19 Feb 2018 02:11:14 +0000Capitol Conversation: Human Trafficking, Gun Policy, Immigrant Driver’s Licenses Bente BirkelandFunding for Colorado’s Civil Rights Commission and the Division of Civil Rights is uncertain following a vote in the legislature Thursday, Feb. 8. The Joint Budget Committee deadlocked in a 3-3 vote – which effectively shuts off funding to the agencies starting July 1. Gov. John Hickenlooper criticized the decision, saying it “sends the wrong message to Coloradans and businesses looking to move here.” Statehouse reporter Bente Birkeland spoke with Marianne Goodland of Colorado Politics and Ed Sealover of the Denver Business Journal about the politics behind the vote, and how it may impact other business at the capitol.Capitol Conversation: Funding Fight Over Civil Rights Commission Could Have Wider Impact http://aspenpublicradio.org/post/capitol-conversation-funding-fight-over-civil-rights-commission-could-have-wider-impact
78737 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgMon, 12 Feb 2018 02:43:37 +0000Capitol Conversation: Funding Fight Over Civil Rights Commission Could Have Wider Impact Bente BirkelandSen. Larry Crowder, R-Alamosa, is the latest lawmaker to be named publicly in allegations of sexual misconduct.Colorado Sen. Larry Crowder Accused By Fellow Lawmaker Of Sexual Harassmenthttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/colorado-sen-larry-crowder-accused-fellow-lawmaker-sexual-harassment
78637 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgFri, 09 Feb 2018 02:11:42 +0000Colorado Sen. Larry Crowder Accused By Fellow Lawmaker Of Sexual HarassmentBente BirkelandColorado Senate Minority Leader Lucia Guzman said she does not want to be involved in any process that would determine potentialdisciplinary actions against Sen. RandyBaumgardnerfor sexual harassment. Thisfollows a public effort byher fellow Democrats who urged in a letterthat she be a part of that process.'In Protest,' Top Senate Dem Withdraws From Sexual Harassment Discipline Processhttp://aspenpublicradio.org/post/protest-top-senate-dem-withdraws-sexual-harassment-discipline-process
78631 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgThu, 08 Feb 2018 22:25:58 +0000'In Protest,' Top Senate Dem Withdraws From Sexual Harassment Discipline ProcessBente BirkelandKevin Grantham, the president of Colorado's Senate, refused to say whether he would make any punishment stemming from a sexual harassment investigation -- public. He was asked Monday (Feb. 5, 2018) during a weekly media briefing with Capitol reporterswhether he would commit to telling Coloradans any disciplinary action Sen. Randy Baumgardner would face. Baumgardner is the subject of a formal sexual harassment complaint. “I can’t say one way or the other on that," Grantham said. Last week, webroke the story that the complaintwas considered credible by the independent group that spent two months investigating it. Leadership in the Senate will determine any disciplinary action, it could range from doing nothing, to a private apology or more training, to expulsion from the chamber. Expulsion requires a full vote of the sitting members of the chamber.Colorado Republican Leader Would Not Vow To Make Sexual Harassment Punishment Public http://aspenpublicradio.org/post/colorado-republican-leader-would-not-vow-make-sexual-harassment-punishment-public
78504 as http://aspenpublicradio.orgTue, 06 Feb 2018 16:02:41 +0000Colorado Republican Leader Would Not Vow To Make Sexual Harassment Punishment Public